essay english

Researched Argumentation Essay “Proposal”

For _________________ – Write a one to two page (400-700 word) essay detailing the issue / that you wish to work with for the Arguing a Position essay.

First, develop a working thesis (the working thesis is one in which you expect to refine and develop as you progress with the research and writing) for which you are to express your position on the proposed topic. Remember that what you should be considering is something that is contemporary and controversial. Your thesis in this instance is going to be a debatable claim.

You do not need any research or documentation for this assignment. This writing is simply to express your desire to work with the issue and your initial ideas and experience with which prompted you to consider the subject.

To be effectively engaged in these assignments and the writing of the essay, you should have an intellectual or emotional interest in the topic (think of your future career interests, issues that have affected you or a friend / family member). This is the time to express this. You should also work on stipulatively defining the issue (as we discussed in previous classes).

You need to begin with the Working Thesis – in other words the first expression of what direction you want your essay to take. THEN, follow that with the essay itself (as seen in sample).

Name

Core 110: Effective Writing

Mr. Stiles

March 21, 2017

Working Thesis: Although many people feel that it is wrong to limit Americans’ right

to own guns, there needs to be a reinstatement of the assault weapons ban.

Assault Weapons Ban - Proposal

I grew up around guns. My father was in the military and was an avid hunter / sportsman. I would watch him clean and lube his military issued sidearm and go through a yearly routine of preparing his assortment of rifles and shotguns. What I never saw, though, was any type of automatic or semi-automatic weapons. My dad always said there was no reason any person needed one.

There was an assault weapons ban in the 1990s that was allowed to expire, but recently, because of the numerous acts of mass shootings and violence with guns, Congress is currently debating the merits of reinstituting the law. As a person who is attending school and with many of the acts of violence occurring in schools, this is an issue that deeply concerns me. I fear for my safety and the safety of my friends and colleagues.

Develop your thinking about the topic. Be as specific as you can at this point. Make sure you have a reason and interest in it. Again, there is no need for any sources. This is just to see where your thinking is regarding the subject and whether it is something that we can work with for this assignment.

Remember this is an ESSAY – which is defined as a piece of writing with an identifiable beginning, middle, and end – as such, it should not be one long rambling paragraph.